Blunsdon man, 87, jailed for sex attacks on child

Richard Lewis Gilmore was sentenced to three years at Swindon Crown Court

AN 87-YEAR-OLD man has been jailed for three years after admitting a series of sex attacks on a child.

Richard Lewis Gilmore, of East Drive, Blunsdon, Swindon, pleaded guilty to five counts of indecent assault and one of gross indecency on girl when she was aged seven. The abuse dated back to the late 1970s through to the 1990s.

He was sentenced to three years imprisonment at Swindon Crown Court on Friday, February 7.

Detective Constable James Newbery from Swindon CID said: “Firstly, I would like to praise the bravery of the victim in this case and the courage she has shown in coming forward to report these crimes.

“This case goes to show that, regardless of the passage of time that has elapsed since the period of offending, the criminal can still be brought to justice.

“I would urge anyone who has been the victim of a sexual assault to come forward and speak to Wiltshire Police. We have dedicated officers who are specially trained to help those who have been abused.

“Anyone wishing to report a crime should contact Wiltshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.”

Victims can also seek support and counselling from the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) based at the New Swindon Sanctuary, The Gables, Shrivenham Road, Swindon.

The SARC is a dedicated centre offering support to any victim of a sexual assault where trained professionals can provide immediate medical care and treatment, a forensic examination, counselling and onward referral to other necessary services.